COMMENTARY ON SENIORS PRACTICING CITIZENSHIP IN RESPONSE TO OFFICIALS PRACTICING DEMOCRACY
When Sidney Wise asked if I would sign the letter he prepared to send to the President, I signed on enthusiastically and suggested that it merits a wider audience than Aston Gardens residents. One of my many interests has been trying to make sense of persistent failures in the political process that contradict my optimism that American ideals will survive.
Perhaps I expected too much from “the best and the brightest” who gain elected office and responsibility. I had high hopes that administrations would be guided by lessons of history; neither The 1929 Depression, nor World Wars I and II have resulted in wiser decisions by an elected elite with power to represent all the people, not just some of the people.
My reading of history suggests that the Executive, Legislative and Judicial spokespersons have lost sight of their major mission “to preserve domestic tranquility” not only for “ourselves” but for “posterity”.
I do not wonder that a youthful minority also trying to make sense of current events worry that their financial futures are at risk. Looking for answers, some conclude that today’s economic problems are due to the “elderly”. I would remind my young friends, if there is any validity to that conclusion, they must also accuse geriatric professionals, the pharmaceutical and medical professions.
Martha S. Cherkis
July 4, 2010
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